San Jose Estate Law Blog
What are good times to modify an estate plan?
When residents in California create an estate plan, it should not be left untouched indefinitely. Estate plans should constantly be evolving along with the individual to whom it belongs. In fact, there are many different points in life when modifying an estate plan...
How do you choose an executor?
Much of the work you are likely to encounter when setting up your estate is collecting information and making decisions. The planning may, of course, have many technical elements both unique to California, such as probate concerns, and national, such as tax issues....
What should I expect when contesting a will?
Being removed from a will is not uncommon. However, it can be a devastating experience when a loved one cuts you out of their will, despite the reason. Along with financial considerations, there is also a sense of betrayal and rejection, especially when a parent cuts...
What is a power of attorney?
Proper estate planning involves many different considerations. Along with wills and trusts, which stipulate how a person's assets should be handled after they're gone, implementing a power of attorney is also crucial. These legal documents appoint authority to another...
What medical decisions are included in a living will?
Living wills are legally binding documents that stipulate the kinds of medical procedures you'd like when faced with a life-threatening injury or illness. These documents are a crucial part of the estate planning process, and without one in place, your friends and...
Avoid probate with your estate plan
The probate process involves gathering and distributing the assets of an estate under court supervision. Because of its lengthy, costly reputation, many individuals take steps to avoid the probate process with careful estate planning. These strategies can help you...
Modifying and invalidating a will
While studies have shown that less than half of American adults (in general) do not have a will, that does not mean that statistic holds true across all demographics. Indeed, older Americans seem to be more apt to take the advice of estate planning experts to heart....
Does your estate plan address digital assets?
When you think of estate planning, you might think of writing a will to determine who gets someone’s house or vacation property. However, it is important to remember the intangible aspects of your life that may be overlooked in your estate plan.What to do with...
Understanding no-contest clauses
You may often be placed in a precarious position when you are party to the estate of a loved one in San Jose. If, for example, the terms of your family member or friend’s will are not what you anticipated (and you choose to challenge them), many might write off...
Is a nuncupative will legal?
Nuncupative wills are those that are spoken orally to another party. This typically occurs when a person is on their death bed and must provide instructions for the transfer of personal property to beneficiaries. In many cases, oral wills are not legally...
